IF
THIS ISN’T A REASON TO SEE CABARET, WHAT IS? A group of hot and
sexy — and scantily clad — Cabaret stars strut their stuff.

When you think of Western students, what’s the first thing that comes
to mind?

Do you envision sexy young ladies with fishnet stockings, frilly undergarments,
curves that could kill and a look that pleads, “Come here Big Boy?”

Or maybe you think of a bunch of husky young men with chiseled faces, ripped
muscles, stamina to keep you up all night and an attitude that boasts, “You
know you want it!”

If you thought of anything other than this, get your butt down to Talbot College.
Opening yesterday, the University Students’ Council’s Theatre Western
and the Don Wright Faculty of Music present the Tony Award-winning Broadway
musical Cabaret.

Taking place in 1930s Berlin with Adolf Hitler on the rise, Cabaret tells
the story of a young American novelist, Cliff Bradshaw, who comes to Germany
looking for inspiration. Instead, he finds deception, manipulation and corruption.

Cliff is introduced to a young woman named Sally Bowles, the star attraction
of the Kit Kat Klub, who describes herself as “strange and extraordinary.” Slowly,
Cliff discovers he is unintentionally participating in a smuggling operation
for the Nazis.

He finds that people have become overly dependent on blissful ignorance. As
the story unfolds, the characters must face the imminent doom that will destroy
their world.

Cabaret is one hell of a good time. It’s funny, playful, sexual, satirical
and overflowing with talent. With dazzling dance moves, harmonious music and
seductive costumes, Cabaret will lure you in and you won’t want to come
out.

The first character on stage is the master of ceremonies played by Jonathan
Tan, president of the Faculty of Music Students’ Council. His performance
is utterly hilarious. Tan’s articulation is perfect, including the lines
spoken in different languages and accents. He is physically and spiritually
synchronized with his character at every moment, and his facial expressions
are priceless. Memorable lines include, “Gentlemen, it is almost New
Year’s. You now have 10 seconds to lose your wives!”

Derritt Mason plays Cliff Bradshaw. He is commanding and convincing in his
role, illustrating his experience in the theatre. His counterpart, Lara Katz,
plays Sally Bowles. Katz brings colour and warmth to the stage through her
stunning dance moves, solos and style.

The role of Ernst Ludwig is played by Holm Bradwell. Ludwig is the sly, deceitful
and intimidating German associate. Bradwell exceeds the expectations demanded
by his character. Other standout roles include Fraulein Schneider (Aisha Talarico),
Fraulein Kost (Giulia Mandolesi) and Herr Schultz (Ciarán McCarthy).

Cabaret captivates the audience with entertaining songs, such as “Willkommen,” “Don’t
Tell Mama” and of course, “Two Ladies.” There isn’t
a dull moment, except for the intermission. At one point, during a rowdy musical
number, the conductor gets so excited his baton flies out of his hand.

What more do you need? With sexy dancers, professional singers/actors, comic
relief in every corner and an ending that will leave you breathless, Cabaret
is a wildly entertaining night of debauchery.

Cabaret runs for two weeks from Thursday, Mar. 11 to Sunday Mar. 14 and from
Thursday, Mar. 18 to Saturday, Mar. 20. Shows are nightly at 8 p.m., with two
matinees, Saturday Mar. 13 and Sunday Mar. 14, at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $20 for
students, $18 for student groups of 10 or more and $25 for the general public,
with a special $15 price for the Mar. 13 matinee. Tickets are available at
InfoSource in the University Community Centre or from The Grand Theatre Box
Office by calling 672-8800.